40 VISUALS Supports Local Kenzie’s BE Cafe With Window Signage

Kenzie’s Story

Makenzie Aney was born 12 weeks early with cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects one’s mobility, balance and posture. Kenzie, as her family lovingly calls her, has had to deal with problems most of us never consider. Minor problems such as not being able to go into a candy shop because the entrance isn’t wheelchair accessible. And then bigger problems like finding a place to work when I am older?

Kenzie’s aunt, Erin Lyon, is the owner of a coffee shop in Grand Haven, MI. In 2021, Erin was approached by Bobbi Sabine, who owns the Crescent Building in Grand Haven, to see if there would be any interest in opening up a second Jumpin’ Java location there, less than a mile down the road. What was once a silent movie theater in the 1920’s and 30’s, the building was ready for a renovation and revamp.

Erin’s vision for the new cafe was to provide a safe and enjoyable work environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental delays along with other special needs.

Affectionately named Kenzie’s BE Cafe, the new cafe provides an opportunity for people with and without special needs to work together. A place where everyone can come together to feel purpose and importance, and to realize that we aren’t all that different on the inside.

40 VISUALS Steps In

40 VISUALS reached out to Kenzie’s BE Cafe and met with the staff to determine their signage needs and how we could help. We presented a few different ideas and ended up moving forward with a large window wrap for the cafe’s front and corner windows, adding an SEG fabric print for the lower-level cafe area.

The window artwork was designed by the 40 VISUALS graphic design team and features pink clouds on the top half along with blue and tan waves on the bottom half. Angled pink stripes separate the double-sided ultra clear film print media from the glass along with words that encapsulate the cafe’s mission: acceptance, community, harmony, inclusion, importance, purpose and belonging. The front window artwork is nearly 15.5 feet wide and nearly 8 feet tall. The smaller corner window is also wrapped with ultra clear film and the same design features. Inside the stripes are bees printed on ultra clear film. Some of the bees have been placed on the outside glass surface while others were placed on the inside of the cafe, creating a three-dimensional effect and adding depth to the design.

“We are so thankful for 40 VISUALS’ vision and collaboration,” said Erin Lyon. “We would not have been able to do the decals ourselves nor would we ever have come up with such a beautiful and fun design. Having an investment like this in our building also helps all of our employees know they are supported!”

Window Wrap Draws in Customers

Having proper signage is crucial for businesses, especially new businesses, to let customers know the business is open. It transforms the building from under construction to open for business and adds branding to the cafe. “We love the windows so much, it makes our entire space an art piece,” said Erin Lyon. “I was just talking this morning with people and said it was kind of glad we ended up pushing off the date it was installed because as soon as it went up people started coming through the doors. The decals brighten our space and bring joy to everyone that drives by!”

The Finishing Touch

Inside the cafe you’ll find a large silicone edge graphic fabric print in a second lounge area. The artwork is a macro photograph of a strawberry pop tart by Nick Ford. The print is installed in a sleek black SEG frame which directs all attention to the artwork. The artwork makes a statement on the back wall and is a welcome addition to the cafe atmosphere.